Paul Ifill may be on the brink of reaching the FA Cup final, but the Millwall midfielder was once convinced he would never make it as a professional footballer.

Axed by Watford as a 16-year-old, Ifill was playing for £20 per week in his father's County League side near Brighton until Millwall gave him another chance of turning pro.

Eight years on and Ifill is the driving force behind a Lions side who are 90 minutes away from the Millennium Stadium and a place in the UEFA Cup.

"I think it's surreal," he said. "I was at Watford as a kid, but they decided to let me go so I went to play non-league football for a year. I thought I wasn't going to make it.

"I played for Salt Dene in the same team as my dad, who was 44. Our biggest earner was a 40-year-old on £150 per week - but I did all right because I was on a £20 goal bonus.

"A lot of my friends are still playing non-league football and I could be too.

"I'm just happy to be here. I had given up on playing the game professionally. But I've done more than I ever thought I would.

"I've been to an LDV Cup Final, two play-offs, and promotion with Millwall. It's been eventful. I've signed a new contract now and the cup run has vindicated my decision."

But it has not all been plain sailing for Ifill. The 24-year-old winger's career was almost cut short by a serious injury while he was still in the youth team.

He said: "I got injured just when they were deciding on contracts.

"My pelvis was out of place and it was pressing on a nerve which meant I couldn't sprint. A number of specialists tried to fix it.

"I was out for three months and I started to think I wouldn't get back. But I went to a Harley Street specialist and I've been fine since. He lay me on a bench and manipulated my back and bang, the next day I could sprint again."

Ifill was left out for last weekend's First Division draw at Walsall, but should be restored for Millwall's first FA Cup semi-final in 67 years after coming on to score the equaliser, his ninth goal of the season.

Sunderland were the opponents when the Lions were last here all those years ago, and former Black Cats striker Danny Dichio admits many of his friends will not know who to support.

He said: "I have very good memories of Sunderland, I spent four years there and my two boys Luca and Franco were born there.

"It's hard because I spent a long time up there and Sunderland need this as much as us, but I won't let it affect me.

"I've got friends coming down from Sunderland who will be supporting me with red and white shirts on."

Dichio's winner in the fifth round against Burnley immediately won the fans over.

He added: "Most of us have dreamt about this as kids and we know it's a once in a lifetime thing to get to the FA Cup final.